NSW to charge other states for quarantine costs
While Victoria’s hotel quarantine saga is well documented, NSW has flown under the radar.
Until today.
The cost of hotel quarantine in NSW is expected to blow out to $140 million by the end of the year and Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said she will be issuing invoices to all states and territories for the cost of processing their citizens.
NSW is currently in the midst of processing overseas travellers.
Those returning with COVID-19 is putting cost pressures on the government and the state’s health system.
“With Victoria out of action and the other states not willing to take on their fair share, we're processing 45 per cent of the 3000 [returning travellers] every week from other states," Ms Berejiklian said in today's press conference.
"The other states aren't lifting their weight. I mean, why can't Queensland and WA take on more Aussies coming home? No, there is no excuse. We're doing 3000 a week, I think they're doing 500 a week."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government is now determining whether more ‘health hotels’ were required to meet demand.
"NSW has always been the gateway to the rest of Australia and we're doing more than our fair share of work now in welcoming back people from overseas. Unfortunately, many of those are coming back, a far greater proportion now, are coming back with positive results," Mr Hazzard said.
There are two types of hotel operating in NSW: police hotels, where non-symptomatic travellers quarantine and hotels managed by health staff, where symptomatic travellers spend their two weeks.
So far, NSW has processed 80,000 people though quarantine.
A frustrated Ms Berejiklian said, "I get really frustrated and annoyed when WA and Queensland just expect us to process all of [their] citizens, which we do gladly, but then just think of all these excuses as to why NSW residents can't move freely to their states."
Despite the cost blow-out and having stopped covering the cost for travellers in September, the government will still take a compassionate approach to those who cannot afford to pay their quarantine bill.
Irit Jackson, 28th October 2020
